Liam Scarlett named Royal Ballet artist in residence

Choreographer and dancer Liam Scarlett has been appointed as the Royal Ballet’s first ever artist in residence.

His new role, which he will take up immediately, means Scarlett will cease to dance with the company so that he can work solely as a choreographer.

Scarlett is currently first artist for the Royal Ballet and this season’s production of Swan Lake, which runs until November 24, will mark his final performances as a company dancer.

He joined the company in 2005 and created his first main-stage work, Asphodel Meadows, for the Royal Ballet in 2010, which was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Viscera, his current work, received its UK premiere at the Royal Opera House at the weekend alongside Infra by Wayne McGregor and Fools Paradise by Christopher Wheeldon.

Kevin O’Hare, director of the Royal Ballet, said “This is a very exciting moment both for Liam and also for the Royal Ballet. We’ve seen Liam’s choreographic talents develop since his time at the Royal Ballet School and subsequently as a member of the company with Monica Mason’s encouragement and I’m delighted that we’re now able to offer him this opportunity to concentrate full time on his choreographic work.”

Elsewhere at the Royal Ballet, Mayuri Boonham and Alexander Whitley have been named as choreographic affiliates until 2014.

They will produce work for the Linbury Studio alongside choreographic apprentice Robert Binet.

The Royal Ballet has also launched a bursary for young choreographers, which will be available for the next three years.